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Hoi Polloi

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Posts posted by Hoi Polloi

    What is the best heater on the market?

    in General Discussion

    Posted · Edited by Hoi Polloi

    No matter the reviews on a product, for me, the product is as only as good when it functions properly for me. If the product fails on me, depending on the type of product, I am reluctant to purchase that same product a second time. 

    I just watched the Secret History Living video of the catastrophic failure of the heaters he had and what he invested in the tank that failed. I am unaware of Aqueon's response to that.  That was a crying shame.

    The only heaters that I have seen recommended in two of my LFS are the Aqueon and Ehiems. Yet, Aqueon has a less then stellar approval (especially Secret History) and one LFS had 17 Ehiems fail on them. Yet, the LFS still purchased Ehiem for replacements. 

    I have one Aqueon but not the "Pro" that split. I don't have an opinion on it, yet because of Aqueons reputation on their heaters - I don't trust it, so it sits in a box as a last resort.

    I have the Ehiems since day one when I was thrown into the hobby (1 1/2yrs now)  and no issues. I don't care for the calibration method.

    One of the LFS came back from the Dallas show and now carries the Polish brand Aquael. I'm going to try their heaters.

    And yes, I do have the Co-op heater but I have issues with it. I'm waiting for version two.

    The quest continues for a reliable heater. 

     P.s. I really liked Atitagain's advertisement. 😉 

    Coop Heater Clicking

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    I too experienced the clicking/knocking noise. 

    I also performed the tasks that KatGoneFishing suggested when I first received and used the heater.

    It would seem it happens but not often.

    My first inquiry to support was that it was normal. Later, after I posted a review I was contacted and to Co-op's credit asked if I wanted a replacement. I said no. However, if I purchased at a local big box store I would have returned it.

    I now use the heater in the quarantine and/or hospital tank when needed.

    Overall, I have liked other Co-op's products but the heater was a real let down for me. I'll wait for version 2 of the heater.

      

    • Sad 1

    Threadfin rainbowfish

    in Photos, Videos & Journals

    Posted

    I have these fish.
    When I purchased them I was advised to have a 2 females to every one male. Currently, I have 5 females and two males. They are not readily available in my area, only one LFS carries them intermittingly.  

    They get along very well with other fish and at times swim with the Harlequin Rasboras.

    Since they have small mouths, I crush the pellets into smaller bite size for them. ( I think I spoil them).

    My tank has moderate cover and they stay in the open water most often.

     

    • Like 2

    Tidal vs Aquaclear

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    This is how I have the Tidal 55 setup to polish the water.

    It's a floss sheet cut into 6"x6". I drape the floss sheet over the spout and into the basket, then put in the sponge and activated carbon mesh net to hold the floss sheet in place. Works for me and I hope it may help you out.

    P1080111-cr.jpg

    • Like 1

    Best heater?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 5/1/2022 at 6:35 PM, Jacob Hill said:

    co ops heater just came out

    Just ordered it! Thanks for the info.
    As for the others, currently I have three Eheim Jager heaters, so far so good. 
    I've had the LFS recommend the Eheim Jager heaters and the     Aqueon heaters (although others seem to not like much). I have the Aqueon in a quarantine tank - which I have yet to experience any problems.  

    • Like 1

    pH testing

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    I've seen this come up often on the subject of multi test strips and the API master test kit. I have also read and seen that test strips are less accurate, particularly from veterinarians and marine biologists, thereby are not recommended but the preference is liquid tests. 

    In my own circumstance, this has proven true. I did purchase the Coop-Op strips and the ph are off by 1 - 1.5.

    It's an interesting concept of ph changes but the question remains as to the degree of accuracy of testing methods. Which, as stated previously, test strips are less accurate. 

    Thread Fin Rainbows?

    in General Discussion

    Posted · Edited by Hoi Polloi

    I recently purchased 9 of these fish. At the fish store I was advised to have a 2-1 ratio, two females for every one male.  Also, they more or less need to be in a tank by themselves or with a group of other peaceful fish.

    I have them with 2 Bolivian Rams, 7 Harlequin Rasboras, and one Angel Fish. in a 46 gallon tank.

    They are very peaceful and the Angel Fish I have does not bother them but the Threadfin Rainbows do stay out of the area of the Angel. 

    They quickly became one of my favorite fish especially when the males flair their fins.

    In addition, since they have tiny mouths, I crush the food for them and feed them Daphnia too. 

    Aqua Saga Of Hoi Polloi

    in Photos, Videos & Journals

    Posted · Edited by Hoi Polloi

    It's been awhile since the last update, and since the last post, things have indeed changed.

    Fish Update

    I think I had some sort of (Parasite) which decimated my bloodfins and then started on my harlequin rasboras. Long story short, the last med used was levamisole powder that did the trick and I have not had any sick fish since.

    In hindsight, I think this (Parasite) is what killed one previous bloodfin (before it got to the others) and the cory catfish's. I just did not recognize it. However, thanks to the information on this forum, I was able to recognize it and get a handle on it.

    Sadly, Kirby the panda garra jumped out of the tank. It was when I removed the plastic strip on the glass lid which left a large enough opening for Kirby to climb out. Found Kirby died up on the floor.

    I replaced the lost fish with different species. I rehomed the red eye tetras, purchased one koi angel fish and nine rainbow threadfin and added three more harlequin rasboras. 

    Equipment Update

    I am using a Tidal 55 hob for mechanical filtration and also put a Sara prefix filter  on the canister filter. The prefix filter is  for mechanical filtration and activated charcoal. The canister filter is mainly for biological only. This system is working well at the moment. The prefix lasting up to three weeks before cleaning and the tidal hob changing weekly.

    After trying using and not using (pellet size) carbon, the water is clearer and I decided to keep using it. 

    I decided to use the prefix filter because I tired of sticking my hands in the aquarium to clean the intake sponge prefilter. By me using the prefix filter, I disturbed the fish less from sticking my hands in the tank and making cleaning a bit easier, since it is outside the tank.

    Store Purchases

    I've made three Co-op purchases, the latest included the new usb air pump. 

    The air pump has a well built feel to it, after charging it, I unplugged it, and it did not miss a beat when battery mode kicked in. It continued to pumped the air with ease. I also find the pump quiet. The cord some complain about, did not affect me. If it did, I have longer cords readily available anyway.  

    Another purchase was the Co-op test strips. I'm not a fan of these. The ph reading is a good one point off resulting in me losing confidence in the other readings. I'll use the rest until depletion - but another purchase is unlikely.  

    These are my updates and have a wonderful day.

     

    Peppered Corydoras Floating after Med Trio

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 1/11/2022 at 6:47 PM, msapphire012 said:

    So with your angel fish,...

    @msapphire012

    So far, I have tried varying quarantined methods and with each method, the time in the Q tank is one month.
    When I acquired the angelfish, I it let get comfortable in the Q tank for one week, no meds. The second week I used the med trio. At about day 4, near the end of the med trio stage, the angelfish was extremely stressed, which I corrected as stated previously. The last two weeks were the resting period. The angelfish is doing very well in the main tank now.
    As a side note, I too am new to this hobby and this coming February will be one year for me. 
    I am interested in the quarantine practices of others and what would be the better practice. Since I keep my fish for a month in the Q tank, it seems reasonable to take small steps. 
    Thanks to those above for sharing their insight. 

    • Thanks 1

    Peppered Corydoras Floating after Med Trio

    in General Discussion

    Posted · Edited by Hoi Polloi

    From what I observed, veterinarians and biologists do not medicate unless there is a problem during the quarantine process. Since medications will stress the fish. Whereas, hobbyists mostly will medicate for preventive practices.

    In my own experience, the first time I use the med trio, I noticed my angel fish extremely stressed which I rectified quickly with a 50% water change and adding carbon for medication removal.

    My next group of fish, I let them settle in the Q tank for a week and watched closely. The next week I decided to only deworm during quarantine process, again watching closely. Shortly, after the second round of the medication process, I noticed the fish were stressed but not as severe as the angel fish with the med trio. I rectified that quickly as well. 

    @msapphire012 I do like your approach to your situation which I may adopt in the future. 

    As for the quarantine process in general, to med or not to med, I still find perplexing and I have not made a definitive stance. 

    • Like 1

    Panda Garra

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    I had one panda garra that acted like a bull in a china shop. When I fed the fish, the pellets sink to the bottom, the panda would come out from its lair and bowl over the cory catfish. 
    Didn't eat the algae as much as I thought it would, however, an interesting fish. Until, the panda decided to commit fish-a-cide. Jump right out of the tank and I found it on the floor dried up like a piece of corn stalk. Moral of the story, yep they jump, and yep, keep a tight lid.

      

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